Matt McMahon shares key areas of improvement needed vs. Georgia

With conference tournaments starting, it’s all about how quickly you can capitalize on things you learned about your opponent in league play. So, as LSU prepares to get their second shot at Georgia on Wednesday night in Nashville, Matt McMahon already knows the areas of the game that will require the Tiger’s best.

McMahon emphasized limiting turnovers, points in the paint, and free throws as the recipe to knock off the Bulldogs. All three played a part in their loss in Athens last month and he wants to see them get corrected with their season on the line this week.

“I thought, at times, the offensive execution was very good in that game. The defensive effort was good enough. But the 19 turnovers were way too much to overcome, especially against a team that forces around 10 a game. So we have to do a good job of taking care of the ball there,” said McMahon. “They put an unbelievable amount of pressure on you off the dribble. And they just live at the free-throw line. So our ability to keep them off the line, protect our paint…Those are some of the areas of emphasis there.”

LSU lost 65-63 during their trip to Stegeman Coliseum back on Valentine’s Day. The Tigers competed, and even led, for a good amount of the game. In the end, though, they just tripped up in too many ways.

To start, the 19 turnovers that McMahon pointed out were a killer as they led to 15 points. From there, they gave up 32 points in the paint and sent Georgia to the line 26 times. While it was arguably one of LSU’s best efforts in the SEC, close just wasn’t close enough against the Bulldogs.

Now, in the first round of the SEC Tournament, this one will be for all the marbles. That’s why McMahon is going to require his team’s best, specifically in those spots, in order to extend their season by at least one more day.